http://eratostenes.info/index.php/ Articles at Eratostenes.info - Free Article Directory en-us http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/baby-keepsake-gifts-what-are-those-exactly.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/baby-keepsake-gifts-what-are-those-exactly.html Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:13:19 -0800 So, the first question you probably have after reading the opening paragraph is probably the same question I had upon entering the nursery: what exactly are baby keepsake gifts? Essentially it's just a fancy word for heartfelt baby gifts which are given to a newborn for them to either play with or decorate their nursery. They can range from usable to decorative and in price from $1 to, well, just about anything. Keepsake gifts are all about emotional value and are gifts that will be kept and cherished throughout a child's life.

When I returned from my little East Coast jaunt, I started keeping an eye out for these keepsake gifts as many of my girlfriends are either already or trying to get pregnant. I found that there are dozens of websites and specialty shops offering different types of keepsake gifts for almost every type of baby or taste. These keepsake gifts included such typical fair as towels and plush toys, to decorative gifts such as plaques, paintings and tins and even seasonal items such as ornaments. Each of these products was beautifully crafted and hand decorated.

A few of the items I came across really impressed me, such as a rocking horse (a bit out of my price range, but nice none-the-less), a simple hand crafted piggy bank (it's never too early to teach kids the importance of money) and small, soft hangable crosses (which I actually purchased for an upcoming Christening I'm invited to). I was a bit surprised at how big of a business these baby keepsake gifts are, but then again, we all love to give baby gifts to newborns, so why not give them something that parents will be sure to keep and cherish throughout a their life. Sounds like a good purchase to me.

]]> http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/exploring-the-exciting-world-of-online-kids-games-with-jubilee-jam.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/exploring-the-exciting-world-of-online-kids-games-with-jubilee-jam.html Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:05:58 -0800 Online games cater to a wide range of people belonging to different age groups and backgrounds. You don't have to be a teenager to play games. Adults and kids can play games as well. There are a variety of games suitable for children online. Online kids games are popular since they are educational, informative and entertaining at the same time. Entertaining your children online is one of the best ways to keep them busy.

As parents, you need to educate your children about the rightful use of the Internet. It is your duty to help them choose safe, educational games websites to provide them with the much needed dose of entertainment. They should be encouraged to learn as much as they can from the Internet. Online kids games are without any violence or malicious content. They do not encourage children to fight. Instead, they combine learning and play together by offering intellectual kids games like kids puzzles and activities, word games, animated games and jigsaw puzzles. These games are designed to bring out the best in your child. They are created to improve the creative talents and skills of your child. These games are very beneficial. They will help shape the personality of you child.

Online quizzes are too much fun. They will improve your child's knowledge about historical events and political events. Action games and other fun games will keep your kid constructively occupied. It will help their brains to grow and develop and enhance their memory. Parents are actively introducing their kids to online kids games to promote their overall growth and development. Kids can learn about different colours, shapes, objects, etc. It is a great learning experience. It is a known fact that kids learn faster if their favourite cartoon characters or toys are involved as part of a game. Moreover, online games are replete with colourful graphics, animated characters, funny fonts and other eye pleasing things. It stirs interest in children. It motivates them and draws them to play educational games. Sound effects also excite them.

Letting children learn by themselves is better than forcing them to learn. Nothing engages them like creative kids puzzles and activities online. In today's fast paced world, it is not possible to sit down with your child and teach them at peace. Rest assured that online kids games will work wonders for your child. However, it is important that you choose a safe, educational games website for your child. Find a safe website that combines fun and education. The Internet is an uncensored source of information. Exploring the Web without adult supervision can expose a child to a whole range of harmful sites. Exposing your kid to unreliable, risky websites can be detrimental to their growth. Some websites advocate violence, some contain sexually explicit content and some encourage activities that are illegal and dangerous. Hence, it important to choose a safe kids games website that is informative and educational as well. ]]> http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/baby-gifts-do-you-go-for-the-baby-keepsake-gift-or-something-more-day-to-day.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/baby-gifts-do-you-go-for-the-baby-keepsake-gift-or-something-more-day-to-day.html Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:40:04 -0800 baby keepsake gifts? Do you go with a book even though they don't read? Or what about clothes? It sounds like a great idea until you realize they can only wear them for a few weeks until they outgrow them. What are you to do?

Unfortunately, there isn't any full proof answer… but before you slam down your keyboard and pull out what is left of your hair, I will say that you have a few options that will no doubt go over well with your friends (let's face it, you want to outdo everyone else and get the best gift, right? Don't lie…). My first bit of advice would be to skip clothing, unless you really know what you're doing. It's true that babies go through clothes like a sick person goes through tissues so unless you're buying for at least six months in the future don't even bother. Instead you might want to go for a gift card to a baby boutique so the parents can use the proper clothing. That way they don't have to return any clothing that the baby has already outgrown.

Another good route to go would be the book route. Now, before you go and buy the newest Tom Clancey novel, remember, the kid can't read yet. Stick to picture books with colorful pictures (just look for the ones with thick pages) or basic books that a parent can read to their child. You know the kind: Dr. Seuss, Go Dog Go, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, etc.

If you're still out of ideas when it comes to what to buy, chances are a walk around a popular chain store will provide you with countless ideas. Chain stores usually have several full aisles dedicated to baby gifts… very, very cute baby gifts (advice: you usually can't do wrong with a product featuring a cute animated hippo, elephant or giraffe). If that doesn't work, there are always picture frames, mirrors, plates, and even puzzles. Or, if you really can't decide a gift card will also do the trick, though the parents will probably just put it towards the purchase of a new flat screen TV or something like that.
]]> http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/playmobil-toys-legos-and-transformers-the-cyclical-cycle-of-childrens-toys.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/playmobil-toys-legos-and-transformers-the-cyclical-cycle-of-childrens-toys.html Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:23:45 -0800
I recently went to the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, CA to meet some friends for dinner. As I was walking I noticed that there was a rather large Lego Chain store which sold nothing but Lego sets and products. I didn't have to think twice, I made a bee-line for the store. Now, I know Lego's are thought of as a little boy thing, but I'll make no qualms about the fact that when I was a kid I loved Lego's. Sure, I enjoyed Barbie's, My Little Pony's, etc., but for me there was nothing more fun then putting together a Lego airport, police building or pirate ship. As I walked into the store and began to look around, two things immediately popped into my head. First: if you can dream it, there is a Lego set for it now. Forget airports, you can literally build the Taj Mahal now out of Lego's. Second, and most relevant, Lego's have gotten expensive. I'm sure you can still get a small set at Wal- Mart for something resembling a reasonable price, but wow, if you want to build an airplane or an building or a pirate ship prepare to open your wallet. A set can cost up to $70 now. Even the cheaper sets cost $30. Needless to say I passed on purchasing a set, even if I felt a child like need to.

It didn't hit me until I got home why these Lego sets cost so much. These sets were not for children, but instead, for adults who grew up on Lego's and again want to experience the thrill of constructing a building out of these tiny blocks. I recently help put together a small set a cousin brought over, and trust me; it's still as fun to do as I remember it.

If anything, this experience at the Lego shop reminded me of the "kitsch" cycle. Toy sellers now understand that parents are as willing to purchase something that reminds them of their youth as they are to purchase these new products for their children, same goes for Playmobil Toys too. Look at the Transformer franchise. Most of the people who saw the film hadn't played with a transformer for 15 years, but went in droves to the movie because of cherished childhood memories (the movies were terrible by the way, which makes the success of the second one even more "memories" based).

Next time you're at Target look around and look at how much of the DVD's or home supplies marketed to adults are simply repackaged and "hip looking" products from your childhood. I think you might be surprised at what you find. Chances are while you've "grown up" your tastes have pretty much stayed the same.

Author Kimberly Green has children ages 3, 4 and 6 and has lots of experience purchasing kids toys ]]> http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/jubilee-jam-make-your-kids-learning-process-easier-online.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/jubilee-jam-make-your-kids-learning-process-easier-online.html Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:33:30 -0800
A classroom doesn't help all the kids to develop the hidden talent within them because it is a difficult task for a teacher to look at the needs of each and every kid in her classroom. At the same time some kids are not smart enough to grab quickly what is taught in the classroom. Often a blackboard is not sufficient to make their learning process interesting. Something adventurous, fun-filled and interesting activities can only catch their attention just like the online kids game available now.

These days, many service providers have come up with lots of interesting online educational games, only for the kids. Kids in their growing stage have great potential to learn something new very quickly if they find it interesting. It is their growing period that creates eagerness within them to learn all the new things they come across. Keeping certain points in mind various site providers have designed various fun games for kids of different ages.

Today's kids are smart enough to play the various kinds of free online games. The basic knowledge of computers has helped the kids to have a good grasp of the various kinds of online kids game available presently. These games serve both the purposes of getting them the educational values together with fun. The free online puzzles such as jigsaw puzzle with variety of pictures and theme helps the kid to sharpen their memory.

Colors have always attracted the kids; so the online kids game based on pictures, paintings always catch the attention of the kids and help them to develop the creative skill within them. Kids can learn a lot of things out of this game. It would be a new world for the kid to find the lost treasure and make new discoveries. Thus there are unique games which serve as a complete educational package with fun for the kid.

The online kids game makes the learning process very simpler and exciting helping the kids to develop their vocabulary and interactive skill. The free online puzzles based on any topic can make the learning process very simple and easy to memorize.

What a book cannot do for your kid, the online kids game can work wonders providing both fun and educational values. As the kids are in their growing stage without any knowledge of good or bad, parental guidance is a must when they are online with some games or puzzles. Their support and company would really encourage their kids to learn more. ]]> http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/curse-of-the-shamra.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/curse-of-the-shamra.html Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:43:54 -0800
Fifteen year old Dara always knew she was different. She was not content to cook, sew and bake. She could not hold her tongue when she disagreed with the males of her people, like the other Shamra females could. She wanted compete in races, speak her mind and learn to fight. She accepted that she would never fit in like her best friend, Pilla.

"Dara didn't act like a Shamra female," wrote Hoffman. "Shamra females learned at an early age to know their place. They were treasured, but were expected to be submissive."

The Shamra enjoyed a peaceful existence. They ignored the outside world, thinking their way of life would go on forever. Dara was uncomfortable being so complacent and when strange bird-like creatures began to fly overhead, she became certain that things were about to change for her people.

When the Shamra were attacked and enslaved, Dara and a handful of others escaped to the forbidden swamps where Dara stepped up to the role of leader. Shamra females were not supposed to lead men, but Dara proved herself worthy and the men fell into line behind her.

After a series of setbacks, Dara realized that the rebels couldn't succeed on their own and made the decision to search for allies. This sent her off on an adventure to lands the Shamra had never seen, where she encountered creatures they had never imagined. Dara learned many life lessons on her journey and realized that what she had once seen as flaws in herself could actually be strengths.

"Her experiences on her journey had been a learning experience in leadership for her too," wrote Hoffman. "In battle in the swamps, she had led by example. In success or failure she had seldom commended her troops. She praised them when they all gathered together, but she seldom sought out anyone in particular to compliment. She hadn't considered it a shortcoming until this journey."

Dara's tale is one of love and loss, courage and self-doubt. Like any teenage girl, she doubted her abilities from time to time, but the pride she had in her people and her belief in their right to freedom kept her going even under the direst of circumstances. With the help and support of her friends, Dara found the strength and wisdom to lead a small band of rebels into a battle for their very existence.

While Dara outwardly battled her enemies for the freedom of her people, she also battled herself. Her journey to self-discovery was a long road, one every young person will traverse. Dara is a heroine that everyone, young or old will want to emulate.
]]> http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/five-things-to-consider-when-looking-for-a-child-care-provider.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/five-things-to-consider-when-looking-for-a-child-care-provider.html Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:23:06 -0800
Education

Anyone interested in child care in Colorado needs to learn what qualifies day care Denver providers. One way to do this is to contact child care resource and referral agencies (CCR&R). They can provide licensing information requirements for child care Denver provider, as well as a list of day care Denver providers who are qualified and licensed.

Rating Child Care Colorado Providers

The implementation of a quality rating system (QRS) in the 1990s greatly improved the way in which parents and guardians could find responsible day care Denver providers. The RAND Corporation released a report at that time that suggested guidelines for rating child care Denver providers. Looking for those organizations that depend on the RAND report is the best way to find child care Colorado providers.

Finding Qualified Child Care Professionals

A reputable and responsible day care Denver provider will employ only qualified child care professionals. A recently released report on Early Childhood Councils and educating child care professionals studied the roles and functions of an early learning system that defined proper child care. Those institutions that refer to this study for analysis of child care Colorado can provide assistance in finding qualified child care professionals.

Subsidized Assistance Programs

There are several child care resources available to assist parents and guardians who need help in securing good child care. Head Start and Easter Seals are two of the most well-known organizations who can help with child care resources. There are other programs that provide information through newsletters and education programs for families, as well as personal assistance with home visits or visits at a parent or guardian's workplace to help with counseling from prenatal stages through the subsequent years of a child's life. These programs are available at no cost to the families who are seeking quality day care.

Health Care Issues

Licensed child care providers are required to have sufficient medical training. Medication Administration Training (MAT) is an important part of the qualifications of any child care provider, so that medicines and other medical procedures, such as emergency assistance, can be administered for the safety of the children who are in their care. Any organization that has access to the database of child care providers who have successfully completed MAT would be a valuable part of researching child care resources.

]]> http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/free-online-games-for-kids.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/free-online-games-for-kids.html Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:16:42 -0800
Anyone with children knows very well that online games and virtual worlds for kids have flooded the market the last few years. While we all want our children to have fun and enjoy the amazing new world technology offers on-line, parents are often left questioning the value of all that internet activity.

As a parent of three children and a former therapist, I quickly recognized the opportunity to take current trends in the marketplace and create teachable, value added moments for parents and children. That's why I created the brand Jubilee Jam to be MUCH more than just another virtual world filed with games and activities.

My master's degree in Early Childhood Development and Learning and my experience as a parent have given me great insight and incentive to create a very unique children's brand that offers a blend of a high-tech while maintaining a high-touch brand feel parents could feel good about.

Jubilee Jam, is not only a virtual world, but also has toys, books and songs that children can enjoy. I often hear form parents whose children ask to read my books every night how much they enjoy the teachable moments the books allow them with their children.

The books and characters have endearing and enduring qualities. The soft, cuddly characters make great friends for children to enjoy as a traditional plush toy. And each animated playroom within the virtual world helps children explore different creative interests.

In essence, the DNA of the Jubilee Jam brand encourages children to discover who they are, celebrate it, and to share it with the world. Through blogs I help parents get a better understanding of the unique brand and ways to share with their children in what I call "conscious parenting".

In addition, Jubilee Jam gives to established organizations to help children in need around the world dig clean wells in remote villages, offer food, vaccines and education, we even give free toys to children who have never had one. This effort helps children and parents feel connected and know they can make a vital difference in the lives of others by helping make the world a better place for us all!

Now, I ask what could be more high-touch than that?
]]> http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/how-to-clean-your-kids-toys.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/how-to-clean-your-kids-toys.html Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:32:50 -0800
If you need to clean those plastic toys then why not just put them in the dishwasher and put the dishwasher on the sanitize setting. This is the best and the easiest way to clean plastic items. If you do not have a dishwasher then simply cleaning them by hand in that hot soapy water with regular dishwashing liquid will get the job done just as well.

Then there are the plush toys. That is something that is in every home with children. The best way to do this is in the washing machine. I put the stuffed animals in a pillow case and put it on the gentle cycle. I add 3 drops of tea tree essential oil to the liquid washing machine detergent and they come out fabulous. You can also add tea tree oil, lemon oil and lavender oil to water in a small spray bottle and spritz down the plush toys in the evening after they have been played with for the day.

If you have wooden toys you can just wipe them down with a damp rag. If other children have been playing with the toys then you may want to wash it with soapy water but do not let it sit in water…it will ruin the wood. I like to put a few drops of tea tree to the damp rag before I wipe down the wooden toys. Just be sure to dry off all of the toys before you give them to your children.

So now you know how to wash all of those Webkinz, Thomas the Trains and playmobil toys your children will be getting for Christmas. No need to bleach up the toys especially if you have an infant that still puts the toys in their mouths. Doing things that all natural way is best for everyone.
]]> http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/how-to-teach-reading-to-children.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/home-and-family/kids/how-to-teach-reading-to-children.html Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:28:26 -0800
You continue teaching your children reading when you play songs on recordings that involve the alphabet. The alphabet song is a very important first step in teaching reading to children. Many children can pick up songs quite easily while the alphabet song may make them hesitate. Reciting the alphabet in song triggers a mind development. Pointing to letters in stories and saying the letter of the alphabet that corresponds to the letter, is a visual and oral signalling to that part of the mind that programs speech. Teaching children to read phonetically should follow as letters and their corresponding sounds are connected in the child's mind.

That method is followed in the book "Hebrew from Scratch" which introduces a person to the Hebrew alphabet and vowels. Actually, in learning any new language, the alphabet is always the first step unless you are learning phrases to use while travelling to a foreign country. But, if you are learning to read in a language, there is no other way than to learn the alphabet and the corresponding sounds that letters make and the corresponding sounds that pairs of letters make. Phonetically speaking, learning vowels by repeating them and joining them to simple words build vocabulary.
Another way of teaching children to read is the look and say method which is currently used in many schools. The program was aimed at avoiding the more rigid discipline of learning to read phonetically. But, eventually, even with the look and say method, the beginning reader will have to learn to read phonetically when the vocabulary extends beyond physical representation of words to be read.
Books on reading like phonics and look and say are available at many colleges and libraries. A person who is just a beginner at teaching children to read would do well to visit bookstores and look in the children's department. A beginner reader loves books with pictures and words. As the reader moves to books without pictures, the need for phonetic development becomes obvious. ]]>